On November 5, voters will decide on two bond measures vital to California’s future: $10 billion to build or renovate public schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and 10 billion dollars build resilience to climate change and protect the environment (Proposition 4).

Together, the bond measures would cost approximately 900 million dollars per year to be repaid. This is certainly a large sum, but it represents only about half a percent of the state’s annual general fund revenues. If both pass, the state would still find itself below its historical average of about 4% of the general fund dedicated to debt service.

These bonds will not directly raise taxes, unlike local bonds which are repaid through property tax increases. The state repays its obligations using existing revenue streams. Both bonds would be subject to annual audits to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted.

Prop.2 proposes general obligations for repairs, modernization, and construction of K-12 schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and career technical education programs.

Nearly 40% of the state’s students attend schools that fail to meet minimum safety standards, according to the nonpartisan organization Public Policy Institute of California. A total of 108 schools across 60 districts have had to temporarily close in recent years due to water contamination, structural damage, gas leaks and similar problems.

It’s no surprise that students from less affluent communities suffer more. The state does not provide localities with a stable source of funding for school construction and renovation, as many states do, so localities must rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Without the additional help provided by Proposition 2, school districts could postpone repairs now only to find themselves facing much more expensive repairs in the future, as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to rise. increase. Meanwhile, education suffers from an unsanitary environment.

This measure does not mean that the State takes responsibility for financing the construction of schools. Rather, it is about creating a partnership with localities. Local school districts should commit matching funds locally so that everyone has a stake in the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done this.

The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Proposition 2.

Prop.4 proposes bonds to finance a wide range of projects related to climate change and the environment, including initiatives approved two years ago by the Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom but retained this year due to a loss of income. The denial of these funds has led to delays in important projects in Northern California, including wildfire prevention.

The bonds would fund a wide range of projects other than wildfire work. Projects to improve water quality, alleviate floods and droughts, and combat extreme heat are among the biggest expenditures. The money would also be used to fund park projects and protect the coast from rising sea levels. There’s even $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.

Cumulatively, these projects represent a wise investment to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment from pollution and further degradation. The focus will be on communities most vulnerable to climate change and low-income communities least equipped to respond to a climate crisis.

The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Proposition 4.

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